Marking One Year Since October 7, 2023

Dear Community and Friends,

October 7, 2023, became a date forever etched in the memory of our nation, marking the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust. On that day, the unimaginable brutality of our enemies shattered lives, devastated communities, and shook the sense of security we once held. The monstrous hatred we faced left deep wounds that are still felt by Jews worldwide.

We were reminded in the harshest of ways of the verse in Tehillim (Psalms 127:1):

אִם יְ-הוָה לֹא יִשְׁמָר עִיר שָׁוְא שָׁקַד שׁוֹמֵר

"If G-d does not protect a city, the watchman stands guard in vain".

Yet amidst the tragedy, the events of October 7 revealed the resilience and strength of Klal Yisrael. The heroism of our soldiers, the outpouring of support from Jews around the world, and the prayers and acts of kindness that followed remind us that even in the darkest moments, the Jewish spirit shines bright. Our unity, anchored in faith in Hashem and love for one another, has become our strongest shield.

We witnessed the depths of evil, but we discovered even more about ourselves—our capacity to give, to support, and to fight for life and truth. We stood united as one nation, mourning the fallen, praying for our soldiers, committing to rebuild, increasing our mitzvot, and strengthening our connection to the Torah like never before.

Tonight, our community will come together at the Charleston Jewish Federation's event, united in the face of adversity. We will reflect on the challenges we have faced, mourn the losses, honor our soldiers, and reaffirm our shared values and dedication to a brighter future.

The first yahrzeit of this tragedy will be on Shemini Atzeret (Thursday, October 24), when we will gather in Synagogue for Yizkor and add a special prayer in memory of those who perished. That night, during Simchat Torah, as we rejoice with the Torah, we will include a special slow Kumzits Hakafah to appropriately reflect on the tragedies of that day. We will also distribute the names of the remaining hostages individually as we each pray for their safe and speedy return.

May we find strength in our unity, comfort in our faith, and resolve in our commitment to building better days ahead.

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי!

With hope and love, and blessings for a G'mar Chatima Tovah,

Sholom S. Mimran